BOSTON – Everyday individuals share a common goal of wanting to fight for a cure for cancer. Haymakers for Hope’s 11th annual “Belles of the Brawl” takes this idea of fighting for a cure literally, with an all-women’s boxing charity event. The event will take place at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway for the third year in a row. Tickets are now on sale, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and fights beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
This month, 30 brave women, including Marblehead native Kara Smith, will compete in boxing matches throughout the night against equally skilled opponents to help raise money for cancer research, awareness, survivorship, and care. In preparation for the big event, each fighter is strategically paired with a boxing gym and coach to guide them through a vigorous four-month training cycle. All participants train individually and in small groups, learning the fundamentals of boxing while creating lasting bonds with their trainers and Haymakers for Hope colleagues. Haymakers for Hope is much more than a cancer fundraiser.
Since its first event in 2011, Haymakers for Hope has raised more than $32 million for cancer research, awareness, survivorship, and care. The organization has transformed more than 1,200 ordinary participants into extraordinary amateur fighters. The women gearing up for their boxing debut at this year’s “Belles of the Brawl” have raised over $330,000 and counting.
“The 2024 Belles lineup screams Boston Strong, with a community of the most courageous and brave women we could’ve asked to participate,” said Co-Founder Andrew Myerson. “As Haymakers continues to host this empowering event annually, each year we’re amazed at the remarkable turnout and the continuous inspiration of our home base and surrounding communities.”
Haymakers for Hope “Belles of the Brawl” fights are scheduled for three two-minute rounds, and the entire boxing card is sanctioned by USA Boxing. General admission tickets are $85 and are available for purchase at www.haymakersforhope.org. In addition to expanding its boxing events to Miami, Haymakers is growing its impact with the brand-new survivorship boxing and fitness program, “Haymakers Fight Continued,” launching in 2025 to raise awareness for those personally affected by cancer.